HCA 305 Chapter 1 Exercise (1)
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Mercy College of Health Science *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
305
Subject
Health Science
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by lexim401
Exercise: Becoming a Split-Department Manager
Imagine that you are the manager of a department, the function of which is to provide service in your chosen profession. In other words, if your career is medical laboratory technology, you are a laboratory manager; if your field is physical therapy, you manage physical therapy or rehabilitation services, and so on. You are employed by a 60-bed rural hospital, an institution sufficiently small that you represent the only level of management within your function (unless your profession is nursing, in which case there will be perhaps two or three levels of management). This means that unless you are a first-line manager in nursing (for example, head nurse), you report directly to administration.
You have been in your position for about two years. Following some stressful early months you are beginning to feel that you have your job under control most of the time.
The merger of your hospital with a similar but larger institution (90 beds) about 10 miles away, a possibility for years, recently became a reality. One of the initial major changes undertaken by the new corporate entity was realignment of the management structure. In addition
to placing the new corporate entity under a single chief executive officer, the realignment included bringing most activity functions under a single manager. Between the merger date and the present, most department managers have been involved in the unpleasant process of competing against their counterparts for the single manager position.
You are the successful candidate, the survivor. Effective next Monday, you will be running a combined department in two locations consisting of more than twice the number of employees you have been accustomed to supervising.
Instructions
Generate a list of the ways in which you believe your responsibilities and the tasks you perform are likely to change because of the merger and your resulting new role. Hint: It may be helpful to make lists of what you imagine to be the circumstances before and after
your appointment. For example, two obvious points of comparison involve number of employees (which implies many necessary tasks) and travel inherent in the job. See how long a list you are able to generate.
Before Merger
After Merger
One department to oversee
Multiple departments to oversee
60 bed hospital
150 beds to oversee between two locations
Oversee a certain number of employees
Oversee twice the number of employees
Scheduling for one department in a 60-
bed hospital Scheduling for twice the number of employees for two departments in two locations
Budget for 60 bed hospital in one department
Budget for two departments in two locations with 150 beds between the two locations
Present departmental quality assurance plan for approval of risk management/quality assurance committee for one department
Present departmental quality assurance plan for approval of risk management/quality assurance committee for two departments in two locations
Counsel employees with habitual lateness problem in one department
Counsel employees with habitual lateness problem for two departments in two
locations
Hiring or firing for one department in one location
Hiring or firing for two departments in two locations
Background checks for staffing in one department for a 60-bed hospital
Background checks for staffing in two departments in two locations for a total of 150 beds between the locations
Oversee policies in one department for 60 bed hospital Oversee policies in two departments in two locations Conduct research to improve treatment techniques for one department
Conduct research to improve treatment techniques for two departments in two locations
Dialogue with third-party reimbursement manager about coverage for innovative services for one department in one location
Dialogue with third-party reimbursement manager about coverage for innovative services for two departments in two locations
Questions
1.
What does this split-department situation do to your efficiency as a manager, and how can you compensate for this change?
As a manager, dealing with a split-department situation can be challenging as it can have a significant impact on your overall efficiency. It is likely to create communication barriers between team members, delays in decision-making, and difficulties in monitoring progress. However, there are several ways to mitigate these effects and ensure that your team remains productive and efficient.
One effective strategy is to set clear expectations for your team members. This includes outlining their roles and responsibilities, the expected outcomes, and the timelines for completing tasks. Clarifying these expectations can help to minimize confusion and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Another vital strategy is to establish communication protocols that enable effective communication between team members. This involves identifying the most suitable communication channels such as email, video conferencing, or instant messaging, and ensuring that everyone knows how and when to use them. Additionally, regular check-ins and progress updates can help keep everyone informed and on track.
Utilizing technology tools is also critical when managing a split-department situation. Tools such as project management software, collaboration platforms, and cloud-based storage solutions can help facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, regardless of their physical location.
Finally, delegating tasks effectively is essential in ensuring that work is distributed evenly among team members. Delegating tasks based on each team member's strengths and abilities can help to ensure that everyone is working on tasks that they are best suited for. This can help increase efficiency and productivity while minimizing the risk of burnout.
By implementing these strategies, you can help ensure that your team remains productive and efficient, despite the challenges posed by a split-department situation.
Source:
Liebler, J. G., & McConnell, C. R. (2020).
Management Principles for Health Professionals
(8th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781284219517